Yet the Aussie, who rose unmarked to head the second and then set up Arteta, confessed that for him personally, football will always be a poor second to his loved ones back home.

Cahill said: "Rooney is one of the best players in the world and someone I respect a lot, so it was a positive for us that he wasn't playing. He is the best finisher in the world, there is no one better. He is one of the best players England has ever produced - but, for me, it has to be family first.

"Football is not an issue in comparison. It's only a game and Wayne has to look after himself.

"I love football to bits - and the Evertonians here know how much I love it - and Wayne is a great professional. But it is family first."